From Raw Exports to Processed Profits

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top cashew producers. For years, however, the country exported mostly raw nuts, missing out on the higher margins from processing. That’s now changing, thanks to government reform and private investment. 

As of 2025, Tanzania is processing over 50% of its cashew output locally, boosting jobs and export earnings. 

New Processing Plants Bring Jobs

The government has supported the construction of eight new cashew processing factories in Mtwara, Lindi and Tanga. These plants have created over 15,000 direct jobs, many of them for women. 

Local value addition also supports allied actors like packaging, logistics, and retail. 

Exporting to Premium Markets

Processed in Tanzanian cashews are now sold in bulk to the U.S., Middle East and Europe, where they fetch significantly higher prices. Brands like “Bibo Nuts” and “Korosho Gold” are also exporting branded, retail-ready products 

Strengthening Farmer Cooperative 

Through training and co-op development, farmers are earning more and have greater bragging power. Mobile apps now help them track prices and access processors directly cutting out exploitative middlemen. 

From Commodity to Brand 

Tanzania’s cashew success is proving that Africa can transform its position in global trade by focusing not just on what it produces, but on how it transforms and sells.

A modern solution to a Legacy Challenge 

Releaf, an agro-tech startup based in Nigeria, is modernizing agro-processing by connecting smallholder farmers to smarter markets. Founded in 2017 by Ikenna Nzewi and Uzochukwu Eze, Releaf  uses data and machine learning to streamline Supply chains in the palm oil and nut value chains, two of Nigeria's most vital crops.

Kraken: The Mobile Processing Machine

Its signature product Krazken, is a mobile, decentralized processing machine that helps farmers produce palm nuts at scale, increasing output by up to three times over traditional tools. By processing near the source, Releaf eliminates the need for Farmers to transport goods long distances, reducing spoilage and cost. 

Tech-Enabled Market Access

Releaf’s tech platform collects data from thousands of suppliers and matches them to industrial buyers, ensuring reliable demand and fair pricing. Through the system, farmers are paid faster and more transparently.

Strong Investment and Scaling Up

In 2021, Releaf secured $4.2 million in seed funding from Samurai Incubate, Future Africa, and Consonance Investment Managers, followed by a $3.3M grant from USAID and GIZ in 2022. The startup aims to scale operations to more regions across Nigeria and expand into other crops.

Unlocking Agro-Industrial Potential

Releaf is proving with the right tools, local processing can unlock tremendous value in African agriculture improving farmer livelihoods and building stronger, data informed value chains. 

By merging innovation with digital infrastructure, they are boosting farmer income and making Nigeria's agro-processing sector more efficient, transparent, and scalable.